Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel to reopen on Dec 21

Mumbai, Dec 13: United we stand against terror, this is the message set out by India's historic Taj Mahal hotel staffs on Saturday, Dec 13 to the world. Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel which came under terrorist attacks in November killing 200 people will open its doors again to guests on Sunday, Dec 21 at 7 pm according to a statement from the Indian Hotels Company.

On Nov 26, ten terrorists attacked Mumbai and fired indiscriminately at the guests in the century-old Taj Mahal Palace and Tower. The hotel's heritage wing (Palace), which bore the brunt of the damage, however, would take some more time to reopen. Initially most of the guests will be accommodated in the modern building Taj towers, as it had suffered less damage.

Raymond Bickson, Indian Hotels MD & CEO said, "to reopen the Taj with such speed, but with no loss of attention to details, shows our resolve to commemorate all the innocent and brave people who lost their lives during the terror strikes."

He also said, "We dedicate our reopening to the city of Mumbai as an affirmation of the values of courage, resilience and dignity. To reopen The Taj with such speed with no loss of attention to details shows our resolve to commemorate all the innocennt and brave people who lost their lives during the terror attacks. In their honour The Taj will shine again in all its brilliance. Every one who works at The Taj stands in awe of the bravery and sacrifice shown by their colleagues. They have set a standard of selfless service that all of us can only aspire to."

Taj Group Chairman Ratan Tata had pledged to rebuild every inch of the hotel to its original glory. It is estimated to cost crores of rupees as the hotel housed several antiques.